In February, Clemco opened its enhanced Sample Processing-R&D Lab. The new facility is 4,500 sq ft, more than double the size of the old facility.
It has 13 machines, while the old lab had six. In addition, four industrial dust collectors have been installed outside of the building. The expanded facility is a reflection of how much Clemco’s business has grown and how committed Clemco is to the new lab’s twofold mission:
- State-of-the-art sample processing
- Groundbreaking research and development for the abrasive blasting industry
Expanded Sample Processing Capabilities
The new lab’s sample-processing capabilities allow it to more accurately simulate a wide range of industrial blasting applications. After a customer sends samples of parts to be blasted along with details about the end results desired and their current process, the lab replicates the conditions of the customer’s facility and researches solutions. The lab then uses the data it has collected to recommend the best equipment, media, and process required to solve the customer’s blasting needs. Recommendations could range from modifications to the customer’s current facility or process, purchase of standard or modified Clemco equipment, or consultation with Clemco Engineering about custom-designing equipment for the customer. This service is free of charge to Clemco customers.
Industry-Leading Research and Development
We live in an information age, and Clemco is committed to being the recognized source of information for the abrasive blasting industry. To this end, the new lab:
- Explores methods for enhancing dust collectors, reclaimers, and blast system efficiency.
- Researches how to develop better equipment components and safety equipment.
- Develops more productive blast machines, cabinets, and rooms.
- Performs ongoing research and shares new findings on how best to use media, equipment, and new procedures.
This research not only helps Clemco build better equipment but also helps the industry as a whole operate more safely and productively.
Request Sample Processing
Contact Clemco Customer Service to learn more about how the Sample Processing-R&D Lab can solve issues you have with your industrial blasting operation:
- Email:custserv@clemcoindustries.com
- Phone: 636-239-4300
From Demolishing Cars to Overseeing the Lab
Clemco’s Sample Processing Manager never would have guessed that he would guide the opening of Clemco’s new lab.
When Lucas Cahill was a 14-year-old teenager, he had his first welding job: helping to fabricate roll cages for his father and uncle’s demolition derby hot rods. Lucas eventually went on to compete as a derby driver while making a living as a welder. In 2005, after Lucas had seven years of welding experience under his belt, Clemco hired him. He continued to work as a journeyman welder until 2013, when Clemco promoted Lucas to Sample Processing Technician. Lucas worked under the wings of Herb Tobben until 2015 which is when after more than 40 years at Clemco, Herb retired as the lab’s manager and Lucas stepped into Herb’s shoes.
“If you would have told me 25 years ago when I was welding derby cars for my family that one day I would oversee the opening of Clemco’s new Sample Processing-R&D Lab,” Lucas jokes, “I probably would have told you that you were as crazy as my family.
“Funny thing is that I stopped driving in the derbies in 2008 to focus on family and career,” he explains, “and I have no regrets.”
Clemco Industries is the world's largest manufacturer of air-powered abrasive blasting equipment used to clean, deburr, shot peen, remove coatings from, finish or otherwise improve a surface being blasted. It manufactures contractor and industrial machines, as well as safety and blasting accessories, needed for just about any blasting operation, ranging from equipment for self-employed contractors to multimillion-dollar facilities for the U.S. military and its allies around the globe. If you need a machine or equipment for a specific application, we have it—or can custom-engineer it for you.
